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DLottmann

Advantages and disadvantages... my “general” advice... go with an AMC group “affordable”, see if you like it... take a 3 day private lesson with a qualified guide service “solidify your foundation skills”, now you know what you want and can split between finding partners, joining cost effective group outings, and shelling out for 1v1 instruction if you see the value there...

I have many repeat clients that are members of AMC climbing clubs... it certainly serves a good purpose... but there is also a lot of standing around when 10 people are trying to learn something from one volunteer instructor...

I looked at the link and the one thing I could not discern was if there was a cost outside of membership? If not, I can see how it works. I’ve had beginner clients go through a basic course like this and the following year they were “tasked” by the AMC to lead new climbers up multi-pitch ice routes. My smarter clients politely declined being put in that type of situation.

Don’t get me wrong, I generally think the AMC is great, but the way they manage their climbing programs has been a debated issue since the 40’s. Read “Yankee Rock & Ice” for a good overview of their history.

take a 3 day private lesson with a qualified guide service “solidify your foundation skills”, [...]I have many repeat clients that are members of AMC climbing clubs...[...]

I looked at the link and the one thing I could not discern was if there was a cost outside of membership? If not, I can see how it works. I’ve had beginner clients go through a basic course like this and the following year they were “tasked” by the AMC to lead new climbers up multi-pitch ice routes. My smarter clients politely declined being put in that type of situation.

"but you must become an AMC member prior to the deadline for receipt of the course fee"

I participate with AMC group as a leader.

This post look like more an advertissing to sold courses than to really help people. as we don't find people to climb some times, we have to train a less skill person.

course fee is very clear at my knowledge.

if Dman had client and he didn't know that he was paid for it...directly for a session or indirectly by the publicity that AMC do for it... I found that suspect.

DLottmann

take a 3 day private lesson with a qualified guide service “solidify your foundation skills”, [...]I have many repeat clients that are members of AMC climbing clubs...[...]

I looked at the link and the one thing I could not discern was if there was a cost outside of membership? If not, I can see how it works. I’ve had beginner clients go through a basic course like this and the following year they were “tasked” by the AMC to lead new climbers up multi-pitch ice routes. My smarter clients politely declined being put in that type of situation.

"but you must become an AMC member prior to the deadline for receipt of the course fee"

I participate with AMC group as a leader.

This post look like more an advertissing to sold courses than to really help people. as we don't find people to climb some times, we have to train a less skill person.

course fee is very clear at my knowledge.

if Dman had client and he didn't know that he was paid for it...directly for a session or indirectly by the publicity that AMC do for it... I found that suspect.

What are you trying to accuse me of Champ? You and I must mis-read each other so much I think it might be best if we just ignore each other’s posts hence-forth.

My advice is sound, and I have plenty of past clients who are long standing AMC members to vouch for it. In the absence of a very good “mentor”, professional guided lessons are one of the fastest ways for a complete neophyte to become a self-reliant climber.

If my post was an “advertisement” it would include links to both my blog and the guide service I work for. I am not an “AMC trip leader” as I think you were trying to insinuate. It was more a general “advice” given the fact that I am a climber of 17 years experience and I feel my advice is worth something. I’ve seen many climbers struggle with learning the ropes and for some guiding is the answer, for other’s large group outings like the AMC is the issue, or Ice Fest, or they are lucky and find a mentor as smart as you and willing to sacrifice sending hard days for teaching figure-8 knots.

I call a truce between you and me right now, and suggest we just ignore each other moving forward.

Meeting you in person re-inforced what my friends have said of your positive demeanor, and I know you have good intentions, but our online personalities clash something fierce.

Let's see. A "not for profit" organization who's director commands a $250,000/yr salary.Operates a 4 star hotel at the top of Crawford Notch- that competes directly with other "for profit" org's (like the Mt.Washington Hotel, a mere 2 miles up the road).Last time I actually went into the AMC "Headquarters" in Pinkham Notch was probably 10 years ago- and at that time you could quite literally show up in shorts and flipflops in mid January, and equip yourself for a weekend up at Tuck's. The AMC "not for profit" that competes directly against my friend Rick Wilcox.There member list, which includes many "pro bono" lawyers, are always willing to take up the Clubs cause. It's basically a group of people from Joy St. in Boston who have decided to make the National Forest in my backyard, their own personal playground.Ban the AMC is more like it.